It is hard to believe that we have been part of the Tripawds family for almost three years; Rusty became a Tripawd on January 25, 2010.  Since joining, Rusty has been dealt several new major medical issues; I am providing a recap of what he has faced for our newer members who may not know his history:

1. Rusty developed an extremely aggressive Fibrosarcoma cancer before he was 18 months old.  His prognosis for survival included the pelvic amputation of a rear leg and very aggressive Chemotherapy treatment protocol.  Rusty is currently in remission!
2. Induced Fanconi syndrome of the kidney’s resulting in renal failure (probably caused by the chemo’s toxins, but is controllable). His kidneys are not removing toxins from his blood.
3. Microhepatica (liver failure) with portosystemic shunt.  The shunt is a hereditary birth defect that has been further compromised by the kidney’s renal failure and possibly the chemo’s toxins.  Ultrasounds tests last fall confirmed that he has less than 25% of his liver functions.

Throughout all of this, Rusty has continued to thrive, enjoying living to the ultimate (including birthday and other parties), swimming & surfing and spending time with his many friends and supporters.  It has only been in recent months that his health issues have begun slowing him down.  People who meet him for the first time are amazed how friendly he is and his ability to get around on three legs.  They are in disbelief when we tell them of his health issues, as he does not appear to be a sick dog.

For anyone who is just starting the battle with cancer, there is hope!  Rusty has far exceeded his original prognosis, and if not for the secondary complications, may have beaten the odds and and kicked  big”C's" butt.  The journey is difficult, fraught with unexpected challenges and many times you ask yourself “have we done the right thing”.  Having Rusty with us after almost three years provides the answer “YES”!

January 2, 2013-

Rusty went to see Dr. Macy this morning; it had been two months since his last checkup.  This was the longest time we have gone without seeing Dr. Macy since Rusty’s ordeal began.  Rusty has not had any of the digestive/diarrhea issues that have plagued him for much of the time that he has been battling his many medical issues.  Apparently his diet of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream agrees with his system; he has gained another pound and now weighs 36 lbs.  He occasionally will eat a hardboiled egg along with a bite or two of vegetarian kibble & treats; otherwise it is only vanilla ice cream.  We feel guilty when we are eating chicken, turkey or beef as he sniffs the air and stares at us, not understanding that he can no longer have any high protein foods. His liver is unable to process the high protein food which results in increased toxins in his blood.

After Dr. Macy’s physical exam, he was quite pleased with his overall condition; however when he came in with Rusty’s blood work he had a long face.  Rusty’s kidney functions have unexpectedly dropped; they have been on a gradual decline for the past year.  His blood platelets were also down significantly.  He asked if we have seen any blood in his stool, which I have not, and suspects that he may have some internal bleeding issues.  I will now be inspecting his potty very thoroughly.  He added another medication to protect his stomach and colon (Rusty is now on 9 meds + several supplements). The new medication, Sucralfate, has to be given two hours before or after meals and can’t be given with any other meds.  This will add another two cheese balls to his current five daily cheese balls containing his meds.  It is wonderful that he loves his cheese balls.

As I have said before, it is especially difficult to accept that Rusty has so far been able to keep the big “C” in remission only to be taken by other medical challenges. Life is not fair and cancer sucks!

"I know that Mom is going to make a brined turkey for Christmas; now how do I sneak a bite or two"

Happy New Year Everyone!

Chuck & Rusty